Charlie Aldridge’s medal-filled season earns him a major British Cycling award nomination

Charlie Aldridge has been shortlisted for National Champion of the Year after a season that brought him titles and medals across European, world and British competition. The 25-year-old mountain biker from Perth is one of six candidates for the British Cycling Awards, presented by Lloyds, with the ceremony scheduled for November 14. Aldridge said the season took time to come together. He described its early stretch as challenging, with several details to work through, before his results improved. The European Championships in Monteceneri proved a high point: he won both the cross-country and short-track titles, with the latter described as his main target for the event. He said he was delighted to leave with both championship jerseys and enjoyed spending the week with younger riders on the British team. His European success was followed by two silver medals at the World Championships in Val di Sole. He finished behind fellow Briton Tom Pidcock in the Olympic-distance race and behind France’s Adrien Boichis in the short track, where the result came down to a sprint finish. In July, Aldridge also defended his British titles in both disciplines at the national championships in Dumfries and Galloway. He said the British event brings extra pressure because so many friends and familiar faces are present, but added that he values its strong sense of community. Growing up in Scotland, he believes, helped him become comfortable riding in wet and muddy conditions, an advantage he says can help on technical European courses. For the off-season, Aldridge plans to try wind foiling in the Dominican Republic. Even with other sports to enjoy, he said mountain biking remains his passion, particularly the chance to head out on trails. The nomination now adds another distinction to a year in which he collected titles on both the continental and national stages.